In less than 100 days, Guam will be flooded with worldwide visitors and participants to witness the spectacular 12^th Festival of Pacific Arts in the capital, Hagatna, from 22 May to 4 June.

The festival, also known as FestPac2016, will see artisans throughout the Pacific put on a display of Pacific cultural and contemporary practises, demonstrations in ancient carving, weaving, tattooing and dancing. The theme for the festival is "What we own, What we have, What we share, United voices of the Pacific".

In a statement on 11 February 2016, Festpac Organising Committee Chairman, Nathan Denight, said the energy at a 100-day wave [marking the 100 day countdown] held at Chief Quipuha Park in Hagatna is being felt in the community and the festival will be the biggest cultural event in Guam’s history. “We are confident Guam will be ready to welcome participating countries and showcase the Hafa Adai spirit and our unique Chamorro culture,” said Mr Denight.

Held every four years since 1972, the festival was conceived by the Conference of the South Pacific Commission (now the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC) to keep traditional Pacific Island customary practices alive.

SPC Deputy Director, Social Development Division, Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago-Elisara said that enthusiasm and anticipation is building among the participating countries and territories ahead of this important Pacific event.

“The Festival of Pacific Arts has a proud legacy spanning four decades and as festival custodian, SPC continues to actively support the Festival Organising Committee and national preparations,” said Ms Tago-Elisara.

Since its inception, this year's host Guam, has participated in every festival event including the most recent one held in the Solomon Island in 2012.

Participating countries and territories at FestPac2016 include: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam (host), Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.